What fabrics are toxic? If you wouldn't put in your body, odds are you wouldn't want to put it on your skin either. Toxic chemicals are found in SO many commonly used fabrics today, and so many of us are wearing them unknowingly. If you have really thought too much about what your clothes are made of, I strongly suggest that you keep on reading. You will be surprised with the amount of unhealthy ingredients that are still being used in the fast fashion world. Here are three things to watch out for if you're wondering if your favourite articles of clothing have any hidden toxins in them.
1. WRINKLE-FREE/SHRINK-FREE FABRICS.
Watch-out for words like "wrinkle-free" or "shrinkage-free." Though the idea of your new top looking fresh and crisp after being thrown in your drawer sounds wonderful, take a moment to think about WHY it is not wrinkling, and the materials used to make it that way. These types of fabrics often contain formaldehyde to prevent any wrinkling, kill off germs and preserve the material.
2. CONVENTIONAL (REGULAR) COTTON.
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world, but most people don't know the difference between regular and organically sourced cotton. Because of the popularity, cotton growers will try and catch up by using pesticides in order for it to grow faster. This results in a fabric that will be full of harmful and toxic chemicals. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides
3. SYNTHETIC FABRICS.
Synthetic fabrics include materials like acrylic, polyester, acetate, and nylon. Although these types of fabrics are popular due to their longevity and wear, they're not good for you, or the environment.These "man-made" fabrics have been treated with extremely toxic chemicals that are known to be very harmful on your skin.
If you can, always opt for Eco-friendlier fabrics when shopping for new clothes. At Salts & West, we source our natural and organic fabrics from ethical sources. All of our blends of fabric such as our certified organic cotton, viscose from bamboo, hemp, linen and merino wool are OKEO-TEX Standard certified dyed. This means that our fabrics have been tested to ensure that they have no traces of harmful chemicals. All of our fabrics are also third party certified through a GOTS certificate. Next time you're doing laundry, take a took at the tags of your clothing to see what they are made of. Chances are, you probably have at least one piece of clothing that you never knew could be harmful to you!
To shop our Okeo-Tex certified non toxic fabrics please visit our bamboo clothing webstore.
